What's next for Wincombe Recreation Ground?

Wincombe Recreation Ground community consultation

Shaftesbury Town Council is asking residents and visitors to share their views about the future redevelopment of the play equipment and associated spaces at Wincombe Recreation Ground.

The consultation survey is now open and will help the Town Council understand how the park is used, what people value about it, what could be improved and what would encourage people who do not currently use the park to visit.

The survey is open until 30th September.

Wincombe Recreation Ground survey

Our Councillors are also holding face-to-face pop-up events at Wincombe Recreation Ground. Councillors will be available to chat about what works, what doesn’t and what should come next, and answer any questions you may have.

Sunday 6th September 10am to Midday with Cllrs Jenny Daultrey, Jade Salkeld, Mollie Budd, and Greg Williams

Saturday 12th September Midday to 2pm with Cllrs Elaine Barrett, Jenny Daultrey, Virginia Edwyn-Jones, Nigel Heritage, and Greg Williams.

Why is the Town Council consulting?

The aim of the consultation is to understand the needs, priorities and aspirations of the community before future design work takes place.

The feedback gathered will help establish clear community requirements that can inform the future design, specification, budget and delivery of an improved play and recreation area.

The consultation is not asking residents to choose between different designs at this stage. Instead, it is an opportunity to understand what the community needs from the space and what should be considered as the project develops.

What would you like to see considered?

The consultation covers a wide range of issues relating to the play area and the wider recreation ground.

This includes:

Play opportunities for different ages
Inclusive and accessible play
Active and physical recreation
Imaginative and creative play
Quiet and relaxed spaces
Natural play and biodiversity
Paths and access
Wheelchair and mobility access
Seating for parents, carers and other visitors
Fencing and play area boundaries
Drainage and ground conditions
Existing equipment that could potentially be retained
Safety and safeguarding
Maintenance and durability
How the play area looks and feels
How the play areas connect with the wider park

We want to hear from everyone

The Town Council would like to hear from people who currently use Wincombe Recreation Ground as well as people who do not currently use it.

The consultation is an opportunity to tell us about your experience, including:

How and when you use the park
What you value about the existing facilities
What you like or dislike about the existing play equipment and spaces
Any problems or barriers that affect your use of the park
What might encourage you to visit more often
What types of play, recreation and social space are important to you
What meaningful inclusion and accessibility would look like in practice
What you think should be prioritised if budget or space means everything cannot be provided

Hearing from people of different ages, abilities and circumstances will help build a more complete picture of the community’s needs.

What happens next?

The responses will be analysed to create a clear record of community feedback. This evidence can then be used to help inform future design work, specifications, budgets and delivery, alongside practical considerations such as safety, feasibility, environmental factors, planning requirements, and ongoing maintenance.

The consultation is therefore an important early step in understanding what the community wants and needs from the future play and recreation area at Wincombe.

Have your say by 30th September

If you use Wincombe Recreation Ground regularly, occasionally, or not at all, the Town Council would like to hear from you.

Please complete the consultation survey by 30th September and share it with others who may have an interest in the future of Wincombe Recreation Ground.